Reviews: Bon Jovi, Vince Staples, Kylie Minogue & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances from Bon Jovi in Denver; Vince Staples in Oklahoma City.; Kylie Minogue in Manchester, England; Dropkick Murphys in Norfolk, Va.; and Spoon in Boca Raton, Fla.

AP Photo / Silvia Izquierdo – Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi beams at the crowd when Bon Jovi plays Rock In Rio at Rock City in Rio de Janeiro Sept. 23.

Bon Jovi @ Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo., March 14 – “The evening began with the projection of an American flag pouring across the stage, as the melody to ‘This House Is Not For Sale’ trickled into the arena. For attentive onlookers, shadowed outlines of the band members could be found beyond the display, earning sporadic screams throughout the venue — yet once the flag finally dropped and their presence was made known to all, the arena went into a frenzy. In tight leather pants, the 56-year-old frontman Jon Bon Jovi immediately plunged into his signature, spider-like stance, proving that true rock stars never lose their charisma — or their toned thighs.” – Kait Starr / 303 Magazine 

Vince Staples @ The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City, Okla., March 8 – “There’s a pulsating electronic dance element in his work that I didn’t fully appreciate until it was slapping me in the face. While taking photos, the speakers literally shook my rib cage. The crowd ate it up.” – Nathan Poppe / NewsOK

AP Photo / Johannes Eisele, Pool – Kylie Minogue
Echo Music Awards, Messe Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Kylie Minogue @ Gorilla in Manchester, England, March 14 – “To host pop icon Kylie Minogue here in Manchester is a treat. But we’re especially lucky, lucky, lucky to have the Aussie superstar here for a teeny, tiny gig at the bar and nightclub Gorilla.” – Katie Fitzpatrick / Manchester Evening News

Dropkick Murphys @ The NorVa in Norfolk, Va., March 11 – “Overall, this concert was a little tougher around the edges than the traditional Irish music I hear around St. Patrick’s Day, but if you prefer a rougher sound, I would recommend this tour. While the main floor is really no place for a child to be during this concert, there were plenty of children at the Norva for this event.” – Stephanie Harris / AltDaily.com

Spoon @ Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., March 11 – “Ten years ago, Spoon had trouble filling a venue of Revolution’s size. Last night’s enthusiastic throng proved that to no longer be the case. With any luck, we won’t have to wait a decade for a return visit.” – John Thomason / Bocamag.com